Deirouni ديروني

The single Byzantine church ofDeirouni (ديروني) is located between the sites of Baqirha (باقرحا) and Deir Qeita (دير قيتا) on the northeastern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). The church is particularly interesting for its elaborate stone-carved decoration around the windows. The church probably belonged to a larger monastery complex at the site.

Getting There: There are two ways to approach Deirouni (ديروني). The preferred option is to combine a visit with other sites in the northeastern region of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). Start at the site of Baqirha (باقرحا), to the south, and then proceed north to Deirouni (ديروني) . Further on, continuing northeast, are the sites ofDeir Qeita (دير قيتا), Babisqa (بابسقا) and Bauda (بعودا). By traveling this route, you can enjoy a full day of visiting archaeological sites and hiking almost entirely downhill. Any microbus traveling from Aleppo (حلب) to Harem (حارم) will pass by the road to these sites. After passing through the village of Sarmada (سرمدا) and beyond the ruins of al-Breij (البريج), the road will ascend a mountain peak to the village of Bashmishli (باشمشلي), also known as Ras al-Hosn (رآس الحصن). Immediately after this ascent, and before the village, the road will be on the right (north) side. The trip takes about 45 minutes from Aleppo (حلب). From this turn-off to Deirouni (ديروني) is about one and a half kilometers.

Alternatively, the site is located about four kilometers southwest of the entrance to the border crossing with Turkey known as Bab al-Hawa (باب الهوا). Traveling towards the border, a turn to the left (south) heads up the mountain towards Babisqa (بابسقا). Continue beyond Babisqa (بابسقا) about three kilometers, and the ruins will be visible on the left (east) side of the road. This route is less convenient if using public transportation, as no buses or microbuses travel this close to the border, aside from those actually crossing into Turkey.

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